THE CITY REBORN FROM THE ASHES OF AMERICA'S MOST DISASTROUS FOREST FIRE

Michael H. Westrich

Michael Henry Westrich, 69, of Niagara passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Born on Nov. 2, 1943 in Kansas City, Kan. to Henry and Helen (Simone) Westrich, he grew up in Racine.

He served in the United States Navy from 1962 until 1966 and later from 1970 until retiring in 1986. He married Barbara Anne Westcott on May 22, 1965 in St. Johns, Newfoundland. They resided there two months before moving to Rhode Island where he started his career with the U.S. Navy. Serving in the Navy brought him to many different locations along the east coast, until finally retiring in 1986, at which time they moved to Niagara.

While living in Niagara he worked for Champion Paper Company and International Paper Company as an Electronics Instrument Technician, retiring in 2006. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He enjoyed many hobbies including, fishing, gardening, woodworking, his koi pond, making model planes and ships, taxidermy, hunting, traveling, driving, the outdoors and playing World of Warcraft with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry; a son, Theodore Ted Westrich, in 2008 and a sister-in-law, Emily Westrich.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel. Prayers were recited on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara. Rev. Matt Settle officiated and burial was in Niagara Cemetery with the American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post No. 136 of Niagara conducting military honors at graveside.